American multinational confectionery company Hershey is facing a lawsuit filed by a group of consumers over deceptive packaging for its Reese's Peanut Butter products, USA Today reported.  

In the lawsuit, lodged in a Southern Florida national court, Hershey is accused of misleading customers by displaying 'carved-out artistic designs' on the packaging, which are absent on the actual sweets.

The plaintiffs, Nathan Vidal, Debra Kennick, Abdjul Martin, and Eduardo Granados, are representing themselves and potentially thousands of others who were influenced by the packaging to purchase the products. 

The complaint states that the packaging of several Reese's products, including Reese’s Medal, Reese’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin, and others, falsely represented the sweets.

The plaintiffs argue that these designs were a significant factor in consumers' purchasing decisions.  

According to the complaint, the sweets inside the wrappers are 'blank,' contradicting the expectations set by the packaging.  

A statement from the complaint was quoted by USA Today as saying: "Hershey’s deceptive advertising is causing many consumers to purchase the products because of the cool and beautiful carved out designs on the products’ packaging, when they would have not purchased the products if they were truthfully advertised."  

The current lawsuit invites other affected consumers to join the class action.  

The plaintiffs are seeking compensatory damages, with the exact amount to be determined at trial. 

Earlier this year, Hershey unveiled a new range of packaging designs for its Kisses milk chocolate products.